The quote highlights the notion that the true danger one faces is not merely death, but the potential for transformation that can lead to an undesirable change in one's essence. It suggests that the struggle against this transformation can be even more profound and threatening than physical demise. This presents a psychological fear of losing one's identity or integrity through external influences.

In the context of the book "Darker Than You Think" by Jack Williamson, the character confronts the risk of awakening hidden parts of himself, stirred by someone else's intentions. This theme of a deeper, more insidious danger suggests that the process of becoming something different can lead to a loss of self, making such a transformation a source of conflict and fear within the narrative.